Virtual Care Evaluation Methods and Ontario Privacy Policy
Abstract
Virtual care implements technology to provide and receive healthcare services remotely. This study aims to (1) explain and understand the evaluation methods used to assess virtual care; (2) generate equity-focused implications based on the current virtual care evaluation methods; (3) apply the 3I+E Framework to analyze Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA) modernization amendments, their impact on virtual care; and (4) explore the impact existing personal health information (PHI) privacy-related virtual care legislation may have on marginalized communities. The scoping review’s findings indicate an excessive focus on quantitative methods, while equity-laden dimensions (e.g. access and PHI privacy) are underrepresented. The policy analysis found that current PHIPA amendments did not provide adequate protections for consumers’ PHI. Adopting a multifaceted approach involving PHIPA modernization amendments, targeted education, increasing virtual care access, and increased policy enforcement could mitigate the disproportionate PHI privacy risks marginalized communities may face when using virtual care services.